How To Make a Great DJ Performance Video + New Contest

YouTube has become the easiest way to share your DJ creativity with others online, but most people aren’t exactly born with the knowledge of how to produce a great performance. Over the last five years, I’ve recorded over 100 videos with close to 20 million views to date, and now I’m going to share my secrets with you. Take the following tips and use them to enter this months Dj Video contest with nearly $4k in prizes!

-Ean Golden

The essentials of a great DJ routine video can be broken down into these components (by importance):

The Musical Arrangement

The Audio Quality

The Performance Engagement

The Video Quality

The Video Editing

THE MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT

Madeon’s Pop Culture video (pictured above), is arguably one of the more successful “DJ” videos in the last year (nearly 12 million views and counting) Boasting just a single camera angle and no editing – it excels in amazing arrangement and musical content. The first and main thing you want to practice with your music video is how the musical arrangement of your performance flows. You might be shooting a video, but this is really all about the music.

Shoot at least 4 draft videos of you improving on the routine

Edit those drafts together and comp together the best arrangement

It’s OK to loop or repeat sections that really shine

Listen to that arrangement over and over again

Try to structure the arrangement in a cohesive pattern that is musical!

For video 2 minutes or less is ideal.

Memorize the routine arrangement – and once it can be reliably played you are ready to shoot

Check out Riccardo Betti, the winner of our last contest. His simple video had a great musical arrangement which really set him apart from the other contestants (at the time of publication, his video had 1.2 million views):

“Technique-wise, your routine might be cutting edge, but if it sounds like raking fingernails across a chalkboard, scrap it. Never sacrifice musicality for technicality.” – DMC competitor and judge Jay Slim in “An Open Challenge To All DMC Competitors”

THE AUDIO QUALITY

Most casual viewers may not even notice, but the audio quality of your video is one of the first things they pick up when making snap judgements about a video.

FACT: Viewers decide if they are into a video within 10-15 seconds on YouTube.

Audio quality is definitely one of the main elements our brains scan when deciding: “Should I invest my time in this content?” “Is this something good?”

Here are the common ways to capture audio (from most ideal to least ideal):

Right in the software, capture a digital version of the performance – you will need to sync this up with video later

Run a line output from your DJ mixer into a digital recorder

Route your mixer’s output back into the computer to record in digital land

Use a high quality mic in the room (large diaphram condensor or bi-naurel are best)

Use the built-in mic on the camera

(Recently here at DJTT HQ, we’ve found the Zoom H4 Recorder (check it out on Amazon) to be a versatile solution handy for exactly this purpose.)

If you have nothing else, the built-in mic on a cell phone or flip cam will do – but it’s only going to capture a narrow spectrum of the audio field in a very compressed format. This will be further compressed by any editing AND YouTube, with the end product being fairly grainy.

THE PERFORMANCE ENGAGEMENT

This is where the medium starts to matter. If people are watching a video, they expect to see things happen and to be entertained or wowed. At the very least there needs be a strong connection between what people are seeing and hearing. Head bopping, dancers, movement and camera tricks have very little connection to what’s really happening in the music.

Here in NI’s most recent Traktor / Kontrol F1 promo video, we see a good example of great production quality but little performance engagement:

The rating on the Kontrol F1 video reflects a lack of engagement.

In the following video I performed for the S4 launch – the production quality is noticeably lower, but we are always seeing a strong performance connection between the audio and physical motion.

The rating on the Phenomena video is a vastly more positive ratio.

Five ways to improve performance engagement:

Have a static overhead shot that can always be used in a pinch

Get lots of close ups of the hands at work

Avoid using music video tricks and editing techniques to add false excitement. Keep it real.

Don’t be afraid to really get into the performance and move with the music. Show us your enthusiasm!

Be authentic with your performance, as an audience can pick up on a fake show designed to impress. If you are serious and minimal – then shoot it that way.

THE VIDEO QUALITY

After you have nailed the first two categories of performance, audio and arrangement then you can move on to upgrading the video quality. Don’t invest time and money in this class until you have passed the previous ones!

The easiest way to upgrade your video production is by simply upgrading your video production tools – buying a dedicated camera that isn’t embedded in your laptop can be a great first step. (Many readers ask us what cameras we use in the DJTT studi0 – we have a pair of Canon Rebel T2i digital SLRs) But many mediocre cameras can work well with basic lighting. The frame above from this video, is a good example of the deep focus effects you can get from a SLR camera.

Here is a typical upgrade path you would follow when stepping up your video rig

Basic SLR Camera – For the Sexy Deep focus shots and great low light, you need a SLR. The basic ones with HD video now run for about $399-$599

High End SLR with a Great Lens. This starts to get into the really sexy territory but can set you back about $2k!

LIGHTING IS KEY..

Every camera needs basic light to function but with great light, they really start to shine. If you are shooting with basic gear then it’s best to try day time shoots with lots of natural light for easy, good quality results. The following video was the very first DJ TechTools performance/tutorial in 2007 and it was shot with a single Canon powershot with basic daylight. Yes, the headband is regrettable in hindsight but we all had to start somewhere.

If you are ready to step up and add some lighting to your rig, it can be in-expensive and easy! The “Cowboy Lighting” kit only costs $199 and will easily light any DJ setup. Follow the DIY route and collect lights from around the house arranging them in the following setup:

You don't need fancy camera lighting, just a few well placed lamps!

SIMPLE CLEAN EDITING

While many music videos and television shows rely on great editing to keep them interesting – DJ performances seem to demand the opposite:

Really show the action and let us follow the performance without jarring transitions.

The general rule of thumb we follow is to make a cut when it’s required to really see the action. Is something interesting happening in software – switch to the screen. Is the front shot not showing the action, cut to a closeup and so on.

Less is more, and generally it pays to pick a great angle and just leave it. If you really want to keep people interested set up two shots and alternate between them to keep things interesting. Spend a lot of time setting up a great shot that really shows the action so you don’t have to fix that later in post.

BIG TIP: Avoid complicated programs like Final Cut unless you are a professional. Basic tools like iMovie produce easy, fast results so you can focus on the performance.

EXTRA CREDIT – Screen Capture

Screencapture shows the viewers exactly what's happening - a must in digital routines!

Since many of your viewers will be DJs they really want to see what is happening and now that everyone uses computers, showing what the software is doing can help explain and pull people into the performance. Some producers put screen capture throughout the video, but we like to highlight interesting aspects of the performance with screen capture, revealing details that make the audience appreciate any hidden effort the DJ might be putting forth. Sometimes it’s nice to leave out screen capture entirely, as it can be distracting but if you do choose to include it – use this tool sparingly.

GRADUATING CLASS CONTEST

Alright, class is over – it’s time for your homework! We want to see what you’ve learned, so we’re having a contest to see who in the DJTT community can make the best DJ routine video. As usual, we will be giving away fabulous prizes. Here are the rules of the contest:

Must be a digital DJ routine OR tutorial on how to do something cool with DJ software.

Upload your masterpiece to YouTube with “DJ TechTools Video Contest: (Name of your Video)” in the title

Post your entry to this page as a comment!

Vote up the comments that contain videos you enjoy

Entries will be judged by DJTT staff on the quality of the video, using this article as a guideline.

Are the comments moderated? I already tryed to post my entry three times and it never shows.
I’m Gui Empke from Brazil and this is my entry. I hope you guys like it.

Luc_ass

last but not least here’s my entry the original quality of this video is 13 gb but that could never be uploaded in time on youtube so i had to convert and convert and convert it

BelgianJungleSound

Having watched some of the other entries, I can safely say I don’t stand a chance, but at least I’ll be able to give you something else to listen to apart from endless dubstep. Anyway, here’s my entry:

Thanatos

here is my entry. beware it’s pretty unusual both in term of selection (Darkstep and crossbreed stuff) and toy cause i’ve made this mix with my octatrack
hope you’ll like ithttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXQzEpoTLTg

C.Lab

Hey Everybody! Here is my submission! i made it using my latest version of my custom Collision Mapping for the APC40! Hope you like it!

Sebastian Keusch

here my entry for the contest, hope it’s not to late.

..it is kinda shitty, but I have to admit I had only 2 days to realize it and I did all on my own. Editing is not perfect and the music doesn’t sound good all the time, but I like it anyway =) the video was shot a friends’ workshop… we often have some beers over there as you can imagine ;) the idea behind the music is taken from Jaguar Skills’ Pool Party Mix. I really love his work, so I decided to do my own live interpretation of it. hope you enjoy it though it’s really simple :D cheers !

yes, combination of not having a job and a desire for knowledge of making better videos

Anonymous

Here is my entry for the DJ TechTools “Graduating Class” Contest. I decided to go to instructional route and made a tutorial on how to use Filters in Traktor Pro 2. I hope that you enjoy it and look forward to any feedback that you might have. Finally, I would like to thank DJ TechTools for this opportunity and their consistently helpful posts.

Here is my entry for this contest. I used this article as a guideline, as well as the “Your First Controllerism Routine” article that Ean posted mid last month. I had a great time putting this routine together. I’ve literally only been DJing since February of this year. I’ve done a quick 4 min mix before but this would be my first routine. So if you dig the video, I honestly can say DJTT has been a huge contributor to my progression. So big ups to DJ TechTools and thanks for opportunity to showcase this passion of ours. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy the video! Cheers!

-DJ TWOZERO

DJ TWOZERO

Current set-up: 15″ MacBook Pro (Retina), Traktor Kontrol S2 for mixer/transport controls and FX slots 1 & 2 control (S2 has also been mapped with the DJTT S2 Custom Mapping), Traktor Kontrol X1 for hot cue control and FX slots 3 & 4 control, and the Traktor Kontrol F1 for triggering samples and the midi mode is mapped with DJ TechTool’s Midi Fighter Instant Gratification mapping used for transition FX that I can switch from Deck A (indicated by blue lit pads) and Deck B (indicated by red lit pads) as seen in the video.

I didnt see anyone laying in bed pushing three buttons. And if they suck so bad, maybe you can show us the way

Amendoza7705

Here is my entry it is a mashup of Somebody That I Used To Know, sorry because in some parts the video and the song are not in order, but tray to listen to it all please it is good music. Algo try to listen it with headphones it sounds way better. Supports to DjTechTools from Mexico!

Amendoza7705

Here is my entry it is a mashup of Somebody That I Used To Know, sorry because in some parts the video and the song are not in order, but tray to listen to it all please it is good music. Algo try to listen it with headphones it sounds way better. Supports to DjTechTools from Mexico!

great article,as always man…but one thing ive noticed is video editing ‘hype’ over true sonic ‘skills’…dj’s with a room full of video editors or a few buddies that ‘know’ the programs have a billion hits,…while a way way better dj will still have an ok video,an even better routine/song,blowing peoples minds,yet he has 46 views…strange world…lo-tech can be cool too,the less is more sentence…jus remember,a million hits dont mean youre an ‘awesome DJ’…even super wack pop stars ‘i wont name names’ have a trillion hits,yet dj shadow or dj q-bert wouldnt work onna project with them inna million years…just outta ‘personal respect’.,…you guys know what im saying…jus keep your skills up,and the video good quality.but you dont need 3-D or ILM or PIXAR doing your eye-candy…unless you got it like that and you really need it to win…jus try and understand the balance…funny-lo-tech robot chicken stuff can destroy ‘Tron-like graphics’ if witty enough…just a thought fella’s.i do video and sound,and even in my world,this crap still applies….its up to us to hold up the ‘skills’ torch…before it goes out…forever.

Entry for ze contextjust let the music fill your souls and dancehope you enjoy

Stewe

Hey Ean, can you sometime film a tutorial on how did you create “Your First Controllerism Routine: Basic Cue Point Juggling” video? I would like to create that based video to explain my Traktor mapping, but, kinda rookie when it come to video editing. I managed to capture screen, camera and sound but don’t know how to arrange it to final stage with audio-video sync.

Not so much making fun as it was a kind of inside joke for us. The full description link might help break it down a little bit. It was primarily a video exercise.

Anonymous

The video itself is (was, private?) pretty good too. But are you all also controllerists? Or are you making fun of controllerism (which it seems you are)? I can take a joke, but some can’t.:) Hope your video isn’t now private due to someone complaining. That wasn’t my intention either.

Hi, Dario Maffia here
I’m going to record the season finale of my “Live from The Bunker” internet dj show this Sunday at 5.00/5.30 PM (Italy time). The show is visible live on Ustream. I found this article so helpfull and i will try to follow all of this tips in the next shows.
In the meantime you can watch all previous episodes (here is one of my favourite http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKyg4itCIws). The show is a little more complex than a typical dj routine cuz it is live with multiple hd cams and realtime directing.
I hope you will enjoy it. If you have technical questions just ask :-)

PS: this is my entry for the contest

Lauti

don’t want to sound hateful but…1 hour 44 minutes? filmed all in the dark? did you even read the article?

You obviously want to demonstrate your skills…go the extra mile: record it well, show yourself, show what you are doing.
You CAN do it if you put your mind to it and spend a bit of extra time. Otherwise I’m afraid that your entry will not live up to some others here….

Honestly, this article, while decent, could use some work. That’s not an insult – this is a DJ website. I went to school for film and though that doesn’t mean I’m the end all be all of video knowledge I can definitely help anyone make a solid video. Feel free to email at

BUT – to just help without self advertising – make sure to record QUALITY sound if you’re doing any talking. By that I mean talk – anything personal you can inject will only help you. Set dressing with items that help highlight you as a person and musician are also great tools. So if you’re making a video of some crazy EDM Ableton routine but you want people to know you’re not just strictly all about EDM – make sure you throw that baller Tupac vinyl album in the background.

Mistermr

Make sure to also do RESEARCH into whatever camera you’re using and make sure to know the conditions under which the footage you ate witnessing was filmed. Dont buy a crappy camera when it only looks good with $5000 worth of lights and/or makeup helping it out, in addition to a pro camera operator.

My opinion on home video is stick to a Canon 5d or 7d or a T2i. They go from highest to lowest quality in that order but all get relatively good image quality. Only real issue is sound capture is entirely independent so make sure to keep on top of that.

iamspencerbaird

Hey! Here is my entry! Its a live mashup or Levels(Skrillex Remix) and Ni**as in Paris! Check it Out!

Rutger Willems

Hey Ean great article, one question though. I own one of the first 1000 MF 3D, when i enter the contest with a vid of the MF 3D and it gets watched over 50000 times, am i still gonna get a white MF 3D?

Fooshead

my opinion that the cleanest, simplest, cheapest way to capture the audio is to split the main out (Y-cables) use a 2nd computer to capture that. the computer can be old, ugly, and slow as hell yet still capture fine, running audacity recording a line-in to WAV. how many DJs reading this don’t have a 2nd laptop or desktop running? the only extra work would be syncing it up to your camera video using Virtualdubmod or whatever, but that’s a one-time 3-minute trial-and-error hassle.

Frederik braad

Hey you are guys i hope you like it :)

Recklesscb

That’s a great routine, and I really enjoyed it, but it was supposed to be a tutorial, and it wasn’t very informative. If you payed very close attention you could figure it out, but next time more teaching how to do it.

Djjaz

It says routine or tutorial

Lauti

Good article. My two cents:
Video editing software: I use kdenlive, which is free, gnu, and you get pretty solid results

Great article Ean, but maybe you could have had mentioned, that Cameras with the Micro Four Thirds Standard are a good mid-price option too.
Even though i use my Olympus Pen for DJ-videoblogging (in german, sorry ;-)) purposes, i can say, it is a very decent device and it would be definitely a good cam for DJ-performance videos, too.

Stewe

GREAT PRICES!!! Now I really need to get myself a camera :D

Owen

Great article

DJ Max D.

One of the best and most useful articles here! Thanks a bunch :)

Steven Krome

Great article! Definitely stands out compared to many other ones. Great timing as well as I just started taking a look into how to stream performances :)

Inax

Nice Guide, thanks
But how i become the video and the Sound in sync ?

Jonathan Schaub

You could maybe clap in your hand, like this you can sync the sound and the motion just in time.
In order to sync your Screencapture with the recordeded sound, you could play a hit hat sound or something similiar…

In tool like Adobe premiere, the audio track is visible as a waveform that you can drag around in the timeline to the correct frame in your video.
Simply watching the video, pausing it, moving the waveform closer to its spot, and repeating this process will get your audio synched up nicely.

Great.. thanks for the tips Ean .. always great quality in your videos ..
I’ve been recording the mixes for my radio show ‘Deeper Shades Of House’ live on Ustream and have recently added screen captures of my Traktor screen, added w/ a cam view of my DJing ..
it’s not much action since I’m def. a blender as opposed to being a controller but the feedback has been positive overall since people can view what they usually just hear on my show ..
You can check my Ustream channel here > http://www.ustream.tv/channel/deeper-shades-of-house